F1 Academy has announced a new three-race weekend format for specific rounds of its 2026 season. The all-female racing series will introduce this expanded schedule in Montreal for the second round and subsequently in Austin, Texas for the fifth round. This change comes after the cancellation of the Saudi Arabian round in April, allowing the season to maintain its 14-race structure.
In Canada and the United States race weekends, the ‘Opening Race’ will be introduced alongside the reverse grid race and feature race. The starting grid for the ‘Opening Race’ will be determined by the drivers’ second-fastest qualifying time, eliminating the need for an additional qualifying session. Full championship points will be up for grabs in the ‘Opening Race’.
F1 Academy managing director Susie Wolff emphasized the series’ commitment to providing a platform for talented drivers to excel by maximizing their competitive track time through the introduction of the ‘Opening Race’. The new format aims to enhance race weekends and deliver additional on-track action in Montreal and Austin, creating an engaging schedule for both fans and drivers.
Head of race operations Delphine Biscaye highlighted that the ‘Opening Race’ adds a strategic element to the race weekends while upholding the series’ sporting integrity. By establishing the starting grid based on each driver’s second fastest qualifying time, the new format offers flexibility in case of postponed races and makes the most of available track time during Grand Prix weekends.
The second round in Montreal, Canada is scheduled to take place from 22 to 24 May.
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